Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State (2018–2021) and Director of the CIA (2017–2018), met with students at the Kyiv School of Economics.
He spoke about diplomacy without illusions — negotiations under pressure, decision-making in wartime, and a leader’s responsibility for the security of alliances. His experience reflects politics at its most real, where every decision carries human consequences and shapes the global balance of power.
The discussion focused on Ukraine’s place in the global security architecture, the role of international partners, and the importance of strength as a precondition for effective diplomacy. Students asked questions and continued the conversation informally.
Such meetings offer insight into how international politics, negotiations, and leadership truly operate in times of war.
The discussion focused on Ukraine’s place in the global security architecture, the role of international partners, and the importance of strength as a precondition for effective diplomacy. Students asked questions and continued the conversation informally.
Such meetings offer insight into how international politics, negotiations, and leadership truly operate in times of war.
